Frame for a snowmobile

ABSTRACT

A snowmobile has a frame having a motor module. The motor module has a front portion defining a cross member and further defining an aperture below the cross member. The frame further has a tunnel, a suspension module, a motor, a handlebar, front left and right skis both operatively connected to the handlebar and front left and right suspension assemblies operatively connecting the front left and right skis respectively to the suspension module and to the motor module. Each one of the front left and right suspension assemblies have a respective support arm having a proximal end positioned longitudinally forward of the motor module and a proximal fastener pivotally connecting the proximal end to the front portion of the motor module about a pivot axis. A line extending from a left pivot axis to a right pivot axis is contained in the cross member.

CROSS-REFERENCE

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/343,075, filed May 30, 2016, the entirety of which isincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to the construction of snowmobiles. Morespecifically, the present technology relates to the construction offrames and front suspension assemblies for snowmobiles.

BACKGROUND

The frame of a snowmobile typically includes a suspension module in afront portion of the frame for connecting a front suspension assemblybetween the skis and the frame, a motor module connected at the rear ofthe suspension module for receiving the motor of the snowmobile, and atunnel connected at the rear of the motor module for connecting anendless track to the frame.

In some snowmobiles, the front suspension assembly is only connected tothe suspension module, which is common when the front suspensionassembly includes upper and lower suspension arms on both left and rightsides. Such a construction is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,451,846 B2for instance.

To withstand the forces encountered under normal operating conditions,the suspension module, the motor module and the tunnel and theirrespective parts are connected together using a plurality of fastenersand/or welds that adds significantly to the overall weight of thesnowmobile. The manufacturing costs and complexity of the frame alsoincrease as the number of fasteners and/or welds goes up.

Other components, such as cross members extending across the suspensionmodule and/or the motor module, are sometimes provided to allow thesuspension module and/or the motor module to withstand the forcesapplied to the frame by the suspension assemblies when the snowmobiletravels through snow or when the skis impact the ground or otherobjects. These additional components further increase the weight of thesnowmobile, its complexity, and its manufacturing costs.

Therefore, there is a desire for a frame and suspension assemblies for asnowmobile that address at least some of the inconveniences of the priorart.

SUMMARY

For the purposes of the present application, terms related to spatialorientation such as forward, rearward, front, rear, upper, lower are asthey would normally be understood by a rider of the snowmobile sittingthereon in a normal driving position with the snowmobile being uprightand steered in a straight ahead direction. In addition, the term“proximal” refers to items or components that are positioned closer to alongitudinal centerline than items or components that are qualified as“distal”.

According to one aspect of the present technology, there is provided asnowmobile having a frame including a motor module having a frontportion defining a cross member and further defining an aperture belowthe cross member, a tunnel connected rearward of the motor module, and asuspension module connected forward of the motor module. The snowmobilefurther has a motor received in the motor module, a handlebar connectedto the frame, a front left ski and a front right ski both operativelyconnected to the handlebar, an endless drive track operatively connectedto the tunnel and to the motor, a front left suspension assemblyoperatively connecting the front left ski to the suspension module andto the motor module. The front left suspension assembly includes a leftsuspension arm having a left proximal end positioned longitudinallyforward of the front portion of the motor module, and a left proximalfastener connecting the left proximal end to the front portion of themotor module about a left pivot axis. The snowmobile further has a frontright suspension assembly operatively connecting the front right ski tothe suspension module and to the motor module. the front rightsuspension assembly includes a right suspension arm having a rightproximal end positioned longitudinally forward of the front portion ofthe motor module, and a right proximal fastener connecting the rightproximal end to the front portion of the motor module about a rightpivot axis. A line extending from the left pivot axis to the right pivotaxis is contained in the cross member.

In some implementations, the motor module includes a bottom panel, aleft part connected to the bottom panel, and a right part connected tothe bottom panel.

In some implementations, the left part includes a left cast part, andthe right part includes a right cast part.

In some implementations, the cross member has a left cross membersegment formed integrally with an upper front portion of the left part,and the cross member has a right cross member segment formed integrallywith an upper front portion of the right part.

In some implementations, the left and right cross member segmentsoverlap, and the left and right cross member segments are connectedtogether using at least one fastener.

In some implementations, the left and right cross member segments have aC-shaped cross section.

In some implementations, the left cross member segment has a leftproximal portion and a left distal portion. The left proximal portionhas a left proximal top portion. The left distal portion has a leftdistal top portion. The left distal top portion is longitudinally longerthan the left proximal top portion. The right cross member segment has aright proximal portion and a right distal portion. The right proximalportion has a right proximal top portion. The right distal portion has aright distal top portion. The right distal top portion is longitudinallylonger than the right proximal top portion.

In some implementations, the left part has a left bottom portion, andthe left part has a left protrusion extending from the left bottomportion toward the right part. The right part has a right bottomportion, and the right part has a right protrusion extending from theright bottom portion toward the left part. The left and rightprotrusions overlap, and the left and right protrusions are connectedtogether using at least one fastener.

In some implementations, the at least one fastener is a huck bolt.

In some implementations, the left bottom portion has a left bracketextending on a bottom face of the left bottom portion. A left nut isreceived in the left bracket. The right bottom portion has a rightbracket extending on a bottom face right bottom portion. A right nut isreceived in the right bracket.

In some implementations, the suspension module has an interior portion.The left suspension arm is an upper left suspension arm. The leftproximal end is an upper left proximal end. The left pivot axis is anupper left pivot axis. The left proximal fastener is an upper leftproximal fastener. The front left suspension assembly further has alower left suspension arm. The lower left suspension arm has lower frontand rear left members. The lower left rear member has a lower left rearproximal end positioned longitudinally between the motor module and thesuspension module, the lower left rear proximal end pivoting about alower left rear pivot axis extending through the interior portion of thesuspension module. The front left suspension assembly further has alower left rear proximal fastener passing through the lower left rearproximal end and extending from the interior portion of the suspensionmodule to the motor module, the lower left rear proximal fastenerthereby pivotally connecting the lower left suspension arm to thesuspension module and to the motor module about the lower rear leftpivot axis. The right suspension arm is an upper right suspension arm.The right proximal end is an upper right proximal end. The right pivotaxis is an upper right pivot axis. The right proximal fastener is anupper right proximal fastener. The front right suspension assemblyfurther has a lower right suspension arm. The lower right suspension armhas lower front and rear right members. The lower right rear member hasa lower right rear proximal end positioned longitudinally between themotor module and the suspension module, the lower right rear proximalend pivoting about a lower right rear pivot axis extending through theinterior portion of the suspension module. The front right suspensionassembly further has a lower right rear proximal fastener passingthrough the lower right rear proximal end and extending from theinterior portion of the suspension module to the motor module, the lowerright rear proximal fastener thereby pivotally connecting the lowerright suspension arm to the suspension module and to the motor moduleabout the lower right rear pivot axis.

In some implementations, the snowmobile further has a left shockabsorber assembly connected between the lower left suspension arm andthe suspension module, and a right shock absorber assembly connectedbetween the lower right suspension arm and the suspension module.

In some implementations, the lower front left member has a lower frontleft proximal end positioned below a front portion of the suspensionmodule. The lower front left proximal end pivots about a lower frontleft axis extending in the interior portion of the suspension module.The front left suspension assembly further includes a lower front leftproximal fastener passing through the lower front left proximal end ofthe lower front left member and extending in the interior portion of thesuspension module, the lower front left proximal fastener therebypivotally connecting the lower front left member to the front portion ofthe suspension module. The lower front right member has a lower frontright proximal end positioned below the front portion of the suspensionmodule. The lower front right proximal end pivots about a lower frontright axis extending in the interior portion of the suspension module.The front right suspension assembly further includes a lower front rightproximal fastener passing through the lower front right proximal end ofthe lower front right member and extending in the interior portion ofthe suspension module, the lower front right proximal fastener therebypivotally connecting the lower front right member to the front portionof the suspension module.

In some implementations, the snowmobile further has a plate positionedlongitudinally forward of the motor module, and rearward of the upperleft proximal end and the upper right proximal end.

In some implementations, the plate extends laterally between the upperleft proximal fastener and the upper right proximal fastener.

In some implementations, the plate is connected to the motor moduleusing the upper left proximal fastener and the upper right proximalfastener.

In some implementations, the snowmobile further has a plate positionedlongitudinally rearward of the cross member, the plate being connectedto the motor module and covering the aperture below the cross member.

Implementations of the present technology each have at least one of theabove-mentioned aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. Itshould be understood that some aspects of the present technology thathave resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object maynot satisfy this object and/or may satisfy other objects notspecifically recited herein.

Additional and/or alternative features, aspects, and advantages ofimplementations of the present technology will become apparent from thefollowing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as otheraspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the followingdescription which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a left side elevation view of a snowmobile;

FIG. 2 is a left side elevation view of a frame of the snowmobile ofFIG. 1, with a suspension module separated therefrom;

FIG. 3 is a front, left side perspective view of the frame of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the frame of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top, rear, right side perspective view of the suspensionmodule of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an exploded, top, rear, right side perspective view of thesuspension module of FIG. 5, with a cross bar;

FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the suspension module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the suspension module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a top, rear, right side perspective view of a motor module;

FIG. 10 is an exploded, top, rear, right side perspective view of themotor module of FIG. 9, with fasteners omitted;

FIG. 11 is an exploded, top plan view of the motor module of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12A is a front elevation view of the motor module of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12B is a front elevation view of the motor module of FIG. 9according to one variant having a plate connected thereto;

FIG. 12C is a top, rear, right side perspective view of the motor moduleof FIG. 9 according to another variant having an alternativeimplementation of a plate connected thereto;

FIG. 12D is a top, rear, right side perspective view of the motor moduleof FIG. 12C, with the plate disconnected from the motor module.

FIG. 13 is a left side elevation view of the motor module of FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of the frame of FIG. 2, with thesuspension module omitted;

FIG. 15 is a front, left side perspective view of the frame portions ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a top, front, left side perspective view of the frame of FIG.14, with upper left and right suspension arms connected to the motormodule;

FIG. 17A is an enlarged view of the portion XVII of the frame of FIG.16;

FIG. 17B is an enlarged view of the portion XVII of the frame of FIG. 16having the motor module presented in FIG. 12B;

FIG. 18 is a left side elevation view of the frame of FIG. 2, with thesuspension module connected to the frame and front suspension assembliesconnected to the frame;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the portion XIX of the frame andsuspension assemblies of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a bottom, rear, left side perspective view of the frame ofFIG. 18, with a right shock absorber assembly omitted;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the portion XXI of the frame of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a front elevation view of the frame of FIG. 18, with theright shock absorber assembly omitted;

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the frame and front suspension assembliesof FIG. 18;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the portion XXIV of the frame and frontsuspension assemblies of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the frame and front suspensionassemblies of FIG. 18 taken along line XXV-XXV of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of the portion XXVI of the frame and frontsuspension assemblies of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is top, rear, left side cross-sectional perspective view of theframe and front suspension assemblies of FIG. 18 taken along lineVII-XXVII of FIG. 23;

FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of the portion XVIII of the frame of FIG.27;

FIG. 29 is a partially exploded left side elevation view of the frame ofFIG. 2, with a lower left suspension arm; and

FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of portion XXX of the frame and the lowerleft suspension arm of FIG. 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1, 4 and 24, a snowmobile 20 will be described. Thesnowmobile 20 has a front end 22 and a rear end 23, which are definedconsistently with the forward travel direction of the snowmobile 20. Thesnowmobile 20 includes a frame 25. The frame 25 includes a tunnel 27, amotor module 29 and a suspension module 32. A longitudinal centerline 37(FIG. 4) extends between the front end 22 and the rear end 23 of thesnowmobile 20 and splits the frame 25 into a left longitudinal side 39and a right longitudinal side 41. For the purpose of the presentapplication, the components that are qualified as “left” or “right” arepositioned on the corresponding left longitudinal side 39 and rightlongitudinal side 41 of the frame 25.

Front left and right suspension assemblies 34, 35 are connected to thesuspension module 32 and to the motor module 29 (FIGS. 21 and 24). Theconnection of the front left and right suspension assemblies 34, 35 tothe suspension module 32 and to the motor module 29 will be described indetail below. A motor 36, which is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1,is received in the motor module 29. In the present implementation, themotor 36 is a two-stroke, two-cylinder, internal combustion engine.However, it is contemplated that other types of motors could be usedsuch as, but not limited to, an electric motor or a four-stroke internalcombustion engine.

An endless drive track 38 is disposed under the tunnel 27. The endlessdrive track 38 is operatively connected to the engine 36 through acontinuously variable transmission (CVT, not shown) and other componentsnot described herein. The endless drive track 38 is suspended formovement relative to the frame 25, by a rear suspension assembly 40. Therear suspension assembly 40 includes a pair of spaced apart slide rails42, rear suspension arms 44, 46 and shock absorbers 48, 50. The sliderails 42 engage the internal side of the endless drive track 38. Therear suspension arms 44, 46 and the shock absorbers 48, 50 pivotallyconnect the tunnel 27 to the slide rails 42. The endless drive track 38is driven to run about the rear suspension assembly 40 for propulsion ofthe snowmobile 20. A plurality of wheels 52 define the path over whichthe endless drive track 38 travels.

A fuel tank 54 is supported on top of the tunnel 27. A seat 56 isdisposed on the fuel tank 54 and is adapted to support a rider. Twofootrests 58 (FIG. 4) are positioned on opposite sides of the tunnel 27below the seat 56 to support the rider's feet. The footrests 58 areintegrally formed with the tunnel 27.

A left ski assembly 60 is positioned at the front end 22 of thesnowmobile 20. A right ski assembly (not shown) is also positioned atthe front end 22 of the snowmobile 20. The right ski assembly is, insome implementations, a mirror image of the left ski assembly 60.

The left ski assembly 60 includes a left ski 62 and a corresponding leftski leg 64. The left ski assembly 60 is operatively connected to thesuspension module 32 and to the motor module 29 via the front leftsuspension assembly 34. The front left suspension assembly 34 includesan upper left suspension arm 66, a lower left suspension arm 68 and aleft shock absorber assembly 70. The left shock absorber assembly 70includes a left spring 72.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 24, the right ski assembly (shown in part)includes a right ski (not shown) and a right ski leg 74 connected to thesuspension module 32 and to the motor module 29 via the front rightsuspension assembly 35. The front right suspension assembly 35 includesan upper right suspension arm 76, a lower right suspension arm 78, and aright shock absorber assembly 80. The right shock absorber assembly 80includes a right spring 82.

The left and right ski legs 64, 74 are pivotally connected to thecorresponding upper and lower suspension arms 66, 68, 76, 78respectively, and the corresponding shock absorber assembly 70, 80 isconnected between the corresponding lower suspension arms 68, 78 and thesuspension module 32 of the frame 25.

Referring to FIG. 1, a steering assembly 84 including a steering column86 and a handlebar 88 is supported by the frame 25. The steering column86 is attached at its upper end to the handlebar 88, which is positionedforward of the seat 56. The steering column 86 is operatively connectedto the ski legs 64, 74 by steering rods 72 in order to steer the leftski 62 and the right ski, and thereby the snowmobile 20, when thehandlebar 88 is turned.

Fairings 90 enclose the engine 36 and the CVT, and provide an externalshell that protects the engine 36 and the CVT. The fairings 90 include ahood and one or more side panels that can be opened to allow access tothe engine 36 and the CVT when this is required, for inspection ormaintenance of the engine 36 and/or the CVT for example. A windshield 92is connected to the fairings 90 forward of the handlebar 88. It iscontemplated that the windshield 92 could be attached directly to thehandlebar 88.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the frame 25 of the snowmobile 20 will bedescribed in more detail. The suspension module 32 is disposed near thefront end 22 of the snowmobile 20. The suspension module 32 has a frontportion 94 and a rear portion 96. The motor module 29 is disposedrearward of the suspension module 32. The motor module 29 has a frontportion 98 and a rear portion 100. The front portion 98 of the motormodule 29 abuts the rear portion 96 of the suspension module 32. Theconnection between the motor module 29 and the suspension module 32 willbe described in further detail below. The tunnel 27 is disposed rearwardof the motor module 29. The tunnel 27 has a front portion 102 and a rearportion 104, the rear portion defining the rear end 23 of the snowmobile20. The rear portion 100 of the motor module 29 may be connected to thefront portion 102 of the tunnel 27 by any suitable means known in theart. For example, the motor module 29 may be welded or bolted to thetunnel 27. The tunnel 27 has rear frame members 106 connected to thetunnel 27 and extending to an apex 112 to which the steering column 86is connected. Front left and right members 108, 110 are connected to thesuspension module 32 and extend to the apex 112. Middle left and rightmembers 114, 116 are connected between the apex 112 and the motor module29.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8 and 24, the suspension module 32 will bedescribed in more detail. The suspension module 32 includes left andright parts 120, 122. The left and right parts 120, 122 of thesuspension module 32 are cast parts. Other manufacturing methods arealso contemplated. The left and right parts 120, 122 are connectedtogether using welding or any other suitable connection technique knownin the art. The suspension module 32 also includes a crossbar 124extending between an upper left portion 126 and an upper right portion128 of the suspension module 32. The upper left portion 126 includesleft tabs 127 for connecting the left shock absorber assembly 70 (FIG.24), and the upper right portion 128 includes right tabs 129 forconnecting the right shock absorber assembly 80 (FIG. 24). Below eachupper portion 126, 128, the suspension module 32 has left and right sidewalls 130, 132. The left and right side walls 130, 132 have a respectiveaperture 134, 136 allowing passage of the left and right steering rods72 (FIG. 1) connecting the steering column 86 to the ski legs 64, 74.Left and right upper flanges 131, 133 extend laterally from the left andright side walls 130, 132 and include left and right tabs 135, 137.

When the left and right parts 120, 122 of the suspension module 32 areconnected, the suspension module 32 has a bottom wall 138 extendingbetween the front portion 94 and the rear portion 96 of the suspensionmodule 32. A drain hole 140 is defined in the bottom wall 138 to drainwater from the suspension module 32.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8 and 24, in the front portion 94, thesuspension module 32 has a front wall 142 with an aperture 144 definedtherein. Below the front wall 142, the suspension module 32 has lowerfront left and right tabs 146, 148. In the rear portion 96, thesuspension module 32 has a rear wall 150 with left and right holes 152,154 defined therein. The rear portion 96 also includes rear left andright flanges 156, 158 defining holes 160 allowing passage of fasteners(not shown) connecting the suspension module 32 to the motor module 29as the motor module 29 has corresponding holes 162 defined on the frontportion 98 of the motor module 29 (FIG. 12A). The suspension module 32could also be connected to the motor module 29 using any other suitabletechnique known in the art, such as welding. The left and right sidewalls 130, 132, the front and rear walls 142, 150 and the bottom wall138 define an interior portion 164 of the suspension module 32.

Referring to FIGS. 9 to 13, the motor module 29 will be described inmore detail. The motor module 29 includes a bottom panel 170 and leftand right parts 172, 174. The left and right parts 172, 174 areconnected to the bottom panel 170 using fasteners (not shown). The leftand right parts 172, 174 could be connected to the bottom panel 170using any other suitable technique known in the art, such as bonding orwelding. The left and right parts 172, 174 are cast parts while thebottom panel 170 is made from sheet metal. Other manufacturingtechniques are also contemplated. At the rear portion 100 of the motormodule 29, the bottom panel 170 has an upwardly extending portion 171adapted to abut the front portion 102 of the tunnel 27 so thatconnection therebetween can be performed. The motor module 29 may beconnected to the tunnel 27 by any suitable means known in the art. Forexample, the motor module 29 may be riveted to the tunnel 27.

The left part 172 defines a left side wall 176 of the motor module 29.The left side wall 176 defines a U-shaped recess 178 therein. The rightpart 174 defines a right side wall 180 of the motor module 29. The rightside wall 180 has an aperture 182 defined therein.

As best seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, the left part 172 has a left bottomportion 184 and a left protrusion 186 extends from the left bottomportion 184 toward the right part 174. The right part 174 has a rightbottom portion 188 and a right protrusion 190 extends from the rightbottom portion 188 toward the left part 172. The left and rightprotrusions 186, 190 overlap and are connected together using threefasteners 192. In the present implementation, the fasteners 192 are huckbolts. It is contemplated that other fasteners could be used, and thatmore or less than three fasteners could be used. The bottom panel 170and the left and right parts 172, 174 are further connected togetherusing at least one of bonding and fastening techniques known in the art.When connected together, the bottom panel 170 and the left and rightparts 172, 174 define a bottom wall 194 of the motor module 29. Thebottom wall 194 has a convex bottom face 196 toward the front portion 98of the motor module 29 (FIG. 13).

Referring to FIGS. 12A, 12B and 13, forward of the bottom panel 170, theleft bottom portion 184 has a left bracket 198 extending on a bottomface 199 thereof. The right bottom portion 188 has a right bracket 200extending on a bottom face 201 thereof. When the left and right parts172, 174 are connected together, the left bracket 198 and the rightbracket 200 form a bracket 202 extending from the convex bottom face 196of the bottom wall 194. The bracket 202 has a vertical portion 203extending downwardly from the convex bottom face 196 and the bracket 202also has a horizontal portion 205 extending rearwardly andperpendicularly to the vertical portion 203. The bracket 202 defines anut cavity 210 at the rear of the vertical portion 203, above thehorizontal portion 205 and below the convex bottom face 196.

The left bracket 198 has a hole 207 defined in the vertical portion 203.The left bracket 198 receives a left nut 204 (FIGS. 13 and 28) in thenut cavity 210. The right bracket 200 has a hole 209 defined in thevertical portion 203. The right bracket 200 receives a right nut 206(FIG. 26) in the nut cavity 210. Both the left nut 204 and the right nut206 are held in place in the nut cavity 210 by surfaces in theircorresponding left and right brackets 198, 200 such that when afastener, such as a bolt, is fastened thereto, there is no need toprevent rotation of the left and right nuts 204, 206 using a tool. Asillustrated in FIG. 13, the vertical portion 203 extends perpendicularlyto the fastening axes of the left and right nuts 204, 206, and thehorizontal portion 205 extends rearwardly and perpendicularly to thevertical portion 203. The horizontal portion 205 thus forms a portion ofthe bottom wall 194 of the motor module 29.

Referring to FIGS. 9 to 12B, the front portion 98 of the motor module 29will be described in more detail. The front portion 98 includes a frontwall 212 where are defined the holes 162 corresponding to the holes 160defined in the suspension module 32 for connection of the motor module29 to the suspension module 32 using fasteners (not shown). The frontportion 98 also defines a cross member 214 and an aperture 216 below thecross member 214. The cross member 214 is formed of a left cross membersegment 218 formed integrally with an upper front portion of the leftpart 172. The cross member 214 is further formed of a right cross membersegment 220 formed integrally with an upper front portion of the rightpart 174. The left and right cross member segments 218, 220 areconnected together using two fasteners 222. It is contemplated that theleft and right cross member segments 218, 220 could be connectedtogether using more or less than two fasteners 222. It is alsocontemplated that the left and right cross member segments 218, 220could be connected using any other suitable technique known in the art,such as welding. The left and right cross member segments 218, 220 havea C-shaped cross section (FIG. 10). Other suitable cross sectionprofiles, such as an I-shaped cross section, are contemplated.

Referring to FIG. 12B illustrating one variant of the motor module 29,the left and right cross member segments 218, 220 are welded togetherand form the cross member 214. A plate 215 is disposed longitudinallyforward of the front portion 98 of the motor module 29 and connected tothe cross member 214. The plate 215 is shaped and configured to bereceived inside the C-shaped cross-section of the left and right crossmember segments 218, 220. The plate 215 is connected to the left andright cross member segments 218, 220 using fasteners, such as rivets.Any other suitable technique known in the art could be used to connectthe plate 215 to the left and right cross member segments 218, 220, suchas bonding or welding.

Referring to FIGS. 11 to 12B, the left cross member segment 218 has aleft proximal portion 219 and a left distal portion 221. The leftproximal portion 219 has a left proximal top portion 219 a and the leftdistal portion 221 has a left distal top portion 221 a. The left distaltop portion 221 a is longitudinally longer than the left proximal topportion 219 a. Similarly, the right cross member segment 220 has a rightproximal portion 223 and a right distal portion 225. The right proximalportion 223 has a right proximal top portion 223 a and the right distalportion 225 has a right distal top portion 225 a. The right distal topportion 225 a is longitudinally longer than the right proximal topportion 223 a. Toward the left and right distal portions 221, 225 of thecross member 214, left and right upper holes 224, 226 are defined in thefront wall 212 of the motor module 29. Referring to FIG. 12B, the plate215 also has holes aligned with left and right upper holes 224, 226.

Referring to FIGS. 12C and 12D illustrating another variant of the motormodule 29, a plate 215′ is positioned longitudinally rearward of thecross member 214. The plate 215′ covers the aperture 216 below the crossmember 214. In some implementations, the plate 215′ is made of sheetmetal and is configured to conform to the profile of the front portion98 of the motor module 29. A plurality of holes 163 are defined on theplate 215′. Each one of the holes 163 is aligned with a correspondinghole 162 defined in the motor module 29 and a corresponding hole 160defined in the suspension module 32. The plate 215′, the motor module 29and the suspension module 32 are connected together, at least partially,using fasteners 163′. The upper portion of the plate 215′ includes holes165 defined therein. The holes 165 are aligned with corresponding holes162′ defined in the motor module 29, such that fasteners (not shown) maybe used to further connect the plate 215′ to the motor module 29. Theupper portion of the plate 215′ also includes two holes 165′ definedtherein. The two holes 165′ allow passage of the two fasteners 222 usedto connect together the left and right cross member segments 218, 220.As such, the plate 215′ is further connected to the motor module 29 bythe two fasteners 222. It is contemplated that the plate 215′ could befurther connected to the motor module 29 using any other suitabletechnique known in the art, such as bonding or welding.

Referring back to FIG. 12A, the aperture 216 defined in the frontportion 98 of the motor module 29 has a width 228. The width 228 istaken horizontally and perpendicularly to the longitudinal centerline 37of the frame 25 of the snowmobile 20. The motor module 29 has an overallwidth 230. The overall width 230 of the motor module 29 is takenhorizontally and perpendicularly to the longitudinal centerline 37 ofthe frame 25 of the snowmobile 20. A ratio of the width 228 of theaperture 216 over the overall width 230 of the motor module 29 is 0.3 ormore. In some implementations, the ratio is 0.4 or more.

In addition, the aperture 216 has a height 232. The height 232 is takenvertically and perpendicularly to the longitudinal centerline 37 of theframe 25 of the snowmobile 20. The motor module 29 has an overall height234. The overall height 234 of the motor module 29 is taken verticallyand perpendicularly to the longitudinal centerline 37 of the frame 25 ofthe snowmobile 20. A ratio of the height 232 of the aperture 216 overthe overall height 234 of the motor module 29 is 0.25 or more. In someimplementations, the ratio is 0.28 or more.

Still referring to FIG. 12A, holes 207, 209 are separated by acenter-to-center distance 236. The upper holes 224, 226 are separated bya distance 238. A ratio of the distance 236 over the distance 238 is 0.1or less. In some implementations, the ratio is 0.08 or less. A ratio ofthe width 228 of the aperture 216 over the distance 238 is 1.25 or more.In some implementations, the ratio is 1.30 or more.

With reference to FIGS. 14 to 30, the left and right front suspensionassemblies 34, 35 and their connection to the motor module 29 and to thesuspension module 32 will be described in more detail.

The left and right front suspension assemblies 34, 35 are connected tothe left and right ski legs 64, 74. An upper front tab 240 of the leftski leg 64 is connected to the upper left suspension arm 66 at a distalend 242 thereof through a ball joint 244 (FIG. 24). A lower front tab246 of the left ski leg 64 is connected to the lower left suspension arm68 at a distal end 248 thereof through a ball joint 250. The left skileg 64 may pivot and rotate with respect to a left ski leg pivot axis252 passing through the ball joints 244, 250 (FIG. 22). Similarly, anupper front tab 254 of the right ski leg 74 is connected to the upperright suspension arm 76 at a distal end 256 thereof through a ball joint258 (FIG. 24). A lower front tab 260 of the right ski leg 74 isconnected to the lower right suspension arm 78 at a distal end 262thereof through a ball joint 264. The right ski leg 74 may pivot androtate with respect to a right ski leg pivot axis 266 passing throughthe ball joints 258, 264 (FIG. 22).

The upper left suspension arm 66 has upper left front and rear members270, 272 meeting at the distal end 242. The upper left front member 270includes an upper left front proximal end 272 (FIG. 19), and the upperleft rear member 272 includes an upper left rear proximal end 274 (FIG.17). Similarly, the upper right suspension member 76 has upper rightfront and rear members 276, 278 meeting at the distal end 256. The upperright front member 276 includes an upper right front proximal end 280(FIG. 17), and the upper right rear member 278 includes an upper rightrear proximal end 282.

The upper left front proximal end 272 is connected to the suspensionmodule 32 by an upper left front proximal fastener 284 passing throughthe upper left front proximal end 272 and extending through the left tab135 of the suspension module 32 (FIG. 8). The upper left front proximalfastener 284 pivotally connects the upper left front member 270 to thesuspension module 32 about an upper front left pivot axis 286 (FIG. 24).Similarly, the upper right front proximal end 280 is connected to thesuspension module 32 by an upper right front proximal fastener 288passing through the upper right front proximal end 280 and extendingthrough the right tab 137 of the suspension module 32 (FIG. 8). Theupper right front proximal fastener 288 pivotally connects the upperright front member 276 to the suspension module 32 about an upper frontright pivot axis 290.

The upper left rear proximal end 274 is positioned longitudinallyforward of the front portion 98 of the motor module 29 (FIG. 17). Theupper left rear proximal end 274 is connected to the motor module 29 byan upper left rear proximal fastener 292 passing through the upper leftrear proximal end 274 and extending through the upper left hole 224 ofthe motor module 29 (FIG. 12A). The upper left rear proximal fastener292 pivotally connects the upper left rear member 272 to the motormodule 29 about an upper rear left pivot axis 294 (FIGS. 17 and 19).Similarly, the upper right rear proximal end 282 is positionedlongitudinally forward of the front portion 98 of the motor module 29(FIG. 17). The upper right rear proximal end 282 is connected to themotor module 29 by an upper right rear proximal fastener 296 (FIG. 17)passing through the upper right rear proximal end 282 and extendingthrough the upper right hole 226 of the motor module 29 (FIG. 12A). Theupper right rear proximal fastener 296 pivotally connects the upperright rear member 278 to the motor module 29 about an upper rear rightpivot axis 298 (FIG. 19). Referring to FIGS. 12A and 17A, it can be seenthat a line 299 extending from the upper rear left pivot axis 294 to theupper rear right pivot axis 298 is completely contained in the crossmember 214.

Referring to the variant of the motor module 29 shown in FIGS. 12B and17B, the plate 215 is disposed rearward of the upper left rear proximalend 274 and the upper right rear proximal end 282. The plate 215 isfurther connected to the cross member 214 of the motor module 29 uponconnection of the upper left rear proximal end 274 using the upper leftrear proximal fastener 292 and the upper right rear proximal end 282using the upper right rear proximal fastener 296. Such connection of theplate 215 is complementary to its fastened connection to the motormodule 29 described above. In some embodiments, the plate 215 is furtherconnected to the motor module 29 using the upper left rear proximalfastener 292 and the upper right rear proximal fastener 296. The plate215 extends laterally between the upper rear left pivot axis 294 and theupper rear right pivot axis 298. In the variant shown in FIG. 17B wherethe plate 215 is connected to the cross member 214, modifications to atleast one of the motor module 29, the upper left rear proximal end 274,the upper right rear proximal end 282, the upper left rear proximalfastener 292 and the upper right rear proximal fastener 296 arecontemplated to take into account the thickness of the plate 215 so thatthe configuration of the left and right front suspension arms 66, 76presented in FIG. 17B remain similar to the left and right frontsuspension arms 66, 76 presented in FIG. 17A. Referring to FIGS. 12B and17B, the line 299 extending between the upper left hole 224 and theupper right hole 226 is completely contained in the cross member 214 andin the plate 215.

The lower left suspension arm 68 has lower left front and rear members300, 302 meeting at the distal end 248 (FIGS. 24 and 30). The lower leftfront member 300 includes a lower left front proximal end 304, and thelower left rear member 302 includes a lower left rear proximal end 306.Similarly, the lower right suspension member 78 has lower right frontand rear members 308, 310 meeting at the distal end 262 (FIG. 24). Thelower right front member 308 includes a lower right front proximal end312 (FIG. 21), and the lower right rear member 310 includes a lowerright rear proximal end 314.

The lower left front proximal end 304 is positioned below the frontportion 94 of the suspension module 32 and longitudinally forward of thebottom wall 138 of the suspension module 32. The lower left frontproximal end 304 is connected to the suspension module 32 by a lowerleft front proximal fastener 316 passing through the lower left frontproximal end 306 and extending through the lower front left tabs 146 ofthe suspension module 32 (FIGS. 6, 22 and 24). The lower left frontproximal fastener 316 extends in the interior portion 164, above thebottom wall 138 of the suspension module 32 (FIGS. 19 and 24). The lowerleft front proximal fastener 316 pivotally connects the lower left frontmember 300 to the suspension module 32 about a lower front left pivotaxis 318 (FIGS. 19 and 24). The lower front left pivot axis 318 extendsthrough the interior portion 164, above the bottom wall 138 of thesuspension module 32 (FIG. 19). Similarly, the lower right frontproximal end 312 is positioned below the front portion 94 of thesuspension module 32 and longitudinally forward of the bottom wall 138of the suspension module 32. The lower right front proximal end 312 isconnected to the suspension module 32 by a lower right front proximalfastener 320 (FIG. 22) passing through the lower right front proximalend 312 and extending through the lower front right tab 148 of thesuspension module 32 (FIGS. 6, 22 and 24). The lower right frontproximal fastener 320 extends in the interior portion 164, above thebottom wall 138 of the suspension module 32. The lower right frontproximal fastener 320 pivotally connects the lower right front member308 to the suspension module 32 about a lower front right pivot axis 322(FIG. 24). The lower front right pivot axis 322 extends through theinterior portion 164, above the bottom wall 138 of the suspension module32 (FIG. 26). Referring to FIGS. 22 and 24, a plate 323 is connected tothe front portion 94 of the suspension module 32. The plate 323 isdisposed forward of the lower front left and right tabs 146, 148 shownin FIG. 6. The plate 323 extends laterally and has holes defined thereinfor receiving the lower front left and right proximal fasteners 316,320. It is contemplated that the plate 323 could also be welded to thesuspension module 32.

Referring to FIGS. 24, 26 and 30, a distance 324 between the lower frontleft and right pivot axes 318, 322 is less than twice an outsidediameter 325 of one of the lower front left proximal end 304 and thelower right front proximal end 312. As the lower front left proximal end304 and the lower right front proximal end 312 are cylindrical, theoutside diameter 325 is measured as shown in FIGS. 26 and 30.

The lower left rear proximal end 306 is positioned longitudinallybetween the motor module 29 and the suspension module 32 (FIGS. 21 and28 to 30). The lower left rear proximal end 306 is connected to thesuspension module 32 and to the motor module 29 by a lower left rearproximal fastener 326 passing through the lower left rear proximal end306 and extending in the interior portion 164, above the bottom wall 138of the suspension module 32. More particularly, the lower left rearproximal fastener 326 extends from the interior portion 164 of thesuspension module 32, through the hole 152 (FIG. 7), through the lowerleft rear proximal end 306, to the left bracket 198 through the hole 207(FIG. 12A) and is fastened to the left nut 204. The lower left rearproximal fastener 326 pivotally connects the lower left rear member 302to the suspension module 32 and to the motor module 29 about a lowerrear left pivot axis 328. The lower rear left pivot axis 328 extendsthrough the interior portion 164, above the bottom wall 138 of thesuspension module 32 (FIG. 28). Similarly, the lower right rear proximalend 314 is positioned longitudinally between the motor module 29 and thesuspension module 32 (FIGS. 21, 25 and 26). The lower right rearproximal end 314 is connected to the suspension module 32 and to themotor module 29 by a lower right rear proximal fastener 332 passingthrough the lower right rear proximal end 314 and extending in theinterior portion 164, above the bottom wall 138 of the suspension module32. More particularly, the lower right rear proximal fastener 332extends from the interior portion 164 of the suspension module 32,through the hole 154 (FIG. 7), through the lower right rear proximal end314, to the right bracket 200 through the hole 209 (FIG. 12A) and isfastened to the right nut 206. The lower right rear proximal fastener332 pivotally connects the lower right rear member 310 to the suspensionmodule 32 and to the motor module 29 about a lower rear right pivot axis334. The lower rear right pivot axis 334 extends through the interiorportion 164, above the bottom wall 138 of the suspension module 32 (FIG.26).

The lower left rear proximal fastener 326 and the lower right rearproximal fastener 332 connect the corresponding lower left rear member302 and lower right rear member 310 to the suspension module 32 and tothe motor module 29. The lower left rear proximal fastener 326 and thelower right rear proximal fastener 332 also connect the suspensionmodule 32 and the motor module 29 together.

Referring to FIG. 12A, the distance 236 corresponds to a distancebetween the lower left and right rear pivot axes 328, 334 (FIG. 24). Thedistance 236 is less than twice an outside diameter 330 (FIGS. 26 and30) of one of the lower left and right rear proximal ends 306, 314. Asthe lower rear left proximal end 306 and the lower right rear proximalend 314 are cylindrical, the outside diameter 330 is measured as shownin FIGS. 26 and 30.

Referring to FIG. 24, the lower front and rear left pivot axes 318, 328are coaxial. Similarly, the lower front and rear right pivot axes 322,334 are coaxial. In addition, the lower front and rear left pivot axes318, 328 are parallel to the lower front and rear right pivot axes 322,334.

Referring to FIGS. 19, 24, 26 and 28, the snowmobile 20 further has atorsion bar assembly 340. The torsion bar assembly 340 includes atorsion bar 342. The torsion bar 342 extends across the motor module 29.A left end 344 of the torsion bar 342 is connected to an upper leftlinkage 346 which is connected to a lower left linkage 348. The lowerleft linkage 348 is connected to the lower left rear member 302. A rightend 350 of the torsion bar 342 is connected to an upper right linkage352 which is connected to a lower right linkage 354 (FIGS. 21 and 26).The lower right linkage 354 is connected to the lower right rear member310.

Modifications and improvements to the above-described implementations ofthe present may become apparent to those skilled in the art. Theforegoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting.The scope of the present is therefore intended to be limited solely bythe scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A snowmobile comprising: a frame comprising: amotor module having a bottom wall and a front portion, the front portiondefining a cross member and further defining an aperture below the crossmember, the cross member being positioned above the bottom wall, and theaperture being defined between the cross member and the bottom wall; atunnel connected rearward of the motor module; and a suspension moduleconnected forward of the motor module; a motor received in the motormodule; a handlebar connected to the frame; a front left ski and a frontright ski both operatively connected to the handlebar; an endless drivetrack operatively connected to the tunnel and to the motor; a front leftsuspension assembly operatively connecting the front left ski to thesuspension module and to the motor module, the front left suspensionassembly comprising: a left suspension arm having a left proximal endpositioned longitudinally forward of the front portion of the motormodule; and a left proximal fastener connecting the left proximal end tothe front portion of the motor module about a left pivot axis; a frontright suspension assembly operatively connecting the front right ski tothe suspension module and to the motor module, the front rightsuspension assembly comprising: a right suspension arm having a rightproximal end positioned longitudinally forward of the front portion ofthe motor module; and a right proximal fastener connecting the rightproximal end to the front portion of the motor module about a rightpivot axis; and a line extending from the left pivot axis to the rightpivot axis is contained in the cross member.
 2. The snowmobile accordingto claim 1, wherein the motor module comprises: a bottom panel definingat least partially the bottom wall of the motor module; a left partconnected to the bottom panel; and a right part connected to the bottompanel.
 3. The snowmobile according to claim 2, wherein: the left partcomprises a left cast part; and the right part comprises a right castpart.
 4. The snowmobile according to claim 2, wherein: the cross memberhas a left cross member segment formed integrally with an upper frontportion of the left part; and the cross member has a right cross membersegment formed integrally with an upper front portion of the right part.5. The snowmobile according to claim 4, wherein: the left and rightcross member segments overlap; and the left and right cross membersegments are connected together using at least one fastener.
 6. Thesnowmobile according to claim 4, wherein the left and right cross membersegments have a C-shaped cross section.
 7. The snowmobile according toclaim 6, wherein: the left cross member segment has a left proximalportion and a left distal portion; the left proximal portion has a leftproximal top portion; the left distal portion has a left distal topportion; the left distal top portion is longitudinally longer than theleft proximal top portion; the right cross member segment has a rightproximal portion and a right distal portion; the right proximal portionhas a right proximal top portion; the right distal portion has a rightdistal top portion; and the right distal top portion is longitudinallylonger than the right proximal top portion.
 8. The snowmobile accordingto claim 2, wherein: the left part has: a left bottom portion; and aleft protrusion extending from the left bottom portion toward the rightpart; the right part has: a right bottom portion; and a right protrusionextending from the right bottom portion toward the left part; the leftand right protrusions overlap; and the left and right protrusions areconnected together using at least one fastener.
 9. The snowmobileaccording to claim 8, wherein the at least one fastener is a huck bolt.10. The snowmobile according to claim 8, wherein: the left bottomportion has a left bracket extending on a bottom face of the left bottomportion; a left nut is received in the left bracket; the right bottomportion has a right bracket extending on a bottom face right bottomportion; and a right nut is received in the right bracket.
 11. Thevehicle according to claim 1, wherein: the suspension module has aninterior portion; the left suspension arm is an upper left suspensionarm; the left proximal end is an upper left proximal end; the left pivotaxis is an upper left pivot axis; the left proximal fastener is an upperleft proximal fastener; the front left suspension assembly further has alower left suspension arm; the lower left suspension arm has lower frontand rear left members; the lower left rear member has a lower left rearproximal end positioned longitudinally between the motor module and thesuspension module, the lower left rear proximal end pivoting about alower left rear pivot axis extending through the interior portion of thesuspension module; the front left suspension assembly further has alower left rear proximal fastener passing through the lower left rearproximal end and extending from the interior portion of the suspensionmodule to the motor module, the lower left rear proximal fastenerthereby pivotally connecting the lower left suspension arm to thesuspension module and to the motor module about the lower rear leftpivot axis; the right suspension arm is an upper right suspension arm;the right proximal end is an upper right proximal end; the right pivotaxis is an upper right pivot axis; the right proximal fastener is anupper right proximal fastener; the front right suspension assemblyfurther has a lower right suspension arm; the lower right suspension armhas lower front and rear right members; the lower right rear member hasa lower right rear proximal end positioned longitudinally between themotor module and the suspension module, the lower right rear proximalend pivoting about a lower right rear pivot axis extending through theinterior portion of the suspension module; and the front rightsuspension assembly further has a lower right rear proximal fastenerpassing through the lower right rear proximal end and extending from theinterior portion of the suspension module to the motor module, the lowerright rear proximal fastener thereby pivotally connecting the lowerright suspension arm to the suspension module and to the motor moduleabout the lower right rear pivot axis.
 12. The snowmobile according toclaim 11, further comprising: a left shock absorber assembly connectedbetween the lower left suspension arm and the suspension module; and aright shock absorber assembly connected between the lower rightsuspension arm and the suspension module.
 13. The vehicle according toclaim 11, wherein: the lower front left member has a lower front leftproximal end positioned below a front portion of the suspension module;the lower front left proximal end pivots about a lower front left axisextending in the interior portion of the suspension module; the frontleft suspension assembly further comprises a lower front left proximalfastener passing through the lower front left proximal end of the lowerfront left member and extending in the interior portion of thesuspension module, the lower front left proximal fastener therebypivotally connecting the lower front left member to the front portion ofthe suspension module; the lower front right member has a lower frontright proximal end positioned below the front portion of the suspensionmodule; the lower front right proximal end pivots about a lower frontright axis extending in the interior portion of the suspension module;and the front right suspension assembly further comprises a lower frontright proximal fastener passing through the lower front right proximalend of the lower front right member and extending in the interiorportion of the suspension module, the lower front right proximalfastener thereby pivotally connecting the lower front right member tothe front portion of the suspension module.
 14. The snowmobile accordingto claim 11, further comprising a plate positioned longitudinallyforward of the motor module, and rearward of the upper left proximal endand the upper right proximal end.
 15. The snowmobile according to claim14, wherein the plate extends laterally between the upper left proximalfastener and the upper right proximal fastener.
 16. The snowmobileaccording to claim 14, wherein the plate is connected to the motormodule using the upper left proximal fastener and the upper rightproximal fastener.
 17. The snowmobile according to claim 1, furthercomprising a plate positioned longitudinally rearward of the crossmember, the plate being connected to the motor module and covering theaperture below the cross member.